[5] In the early 1980s, Yiwu was an impoverished rural county historically known for its small traders, who mostly bartered sugar for chicken feathers during the Qing dynasty.

Although the Chinese government initiated the reform and opening policy in 1978, selling things for profit by private citizens was still banned in practice.

After their conversation, Xie travelled to Wenzhou, the first Chinese city to allow private enterprises, to conduct research, and decided that building a free market was compatible with national policies.

[6][7] When the market was opened in November 1982, it merely consisted of a few hundred sheds and stalls,[6] but proved highly popular and grew quickly.

[5] The market is divided into 5 districts covering an area of 4 million square meters for 75,000 booths where 100,000 suppliers exhibit 400,000 kinds of products.

A photographer documenting the market told CNN: "I spent a total of four days constantly walking around Yiwu and wouldn't say I got near to seeing all of the stalls.